PLANS for the development of a 594-unit residential development on lands at Scholarstown Road in Rathfarnham, incorporating the former residence of former Fine Gael leader Liam Cosgrave, who served as Taoiseach from 1973 to 1977, have been lodged with An Bord Pleanála.

Applicant Ardstone Homes Limited lodged an application via An Bord Pleanála’s fast-track system for 482 build-to-rent units and 112 build-to-sell units, incorporating existing dwellings known as Beechpark and Maryfield, on May 3.

The former residence of Liam Cosgrave

The developer also submitted an application to South Dublin County Council last March, seeking permission for the demolition of the former home of Liam Cosgrave, known as Beechpark, and enabling works on the site.

The application is still under consideration by the council, and they have requested additional information about the plans.

The site has been the subject of media attention in recent months, as archaeological digs uncovered an “early medieval enclosed settlement”, according to an archaeological assessment that was submitted to South Dublin County Council last month.

Human skeletal remains were found on the site last August, and a total of 19 test trenches were excavated on site, which confirmed the presence of a ringfort type enclosure – the skeletal remains were uncovered within the interior of the enclosure.

In a statement to The Echo, when the archaeological digs were being carried out, Ardstone Homes stated: “As part of our assessment of the site we undertook an archaeological investigation under the direction of an independent archaeologist and some archaeological features were discovered on a small portion of the site.”

They stated that the investigation and dig was being carried out by “an independent archaeologist under full agreement and licencing of The Department of Culture, Heritage and Gaeltacht (DCHG) and under direction of the National Monuments Service.

“The archaeological team are cooperating fully with the DCHG, and Ardstone are committed to completing the investigation in accordance with all national guidelines and requirements.”

A decision on their application for the 594-unit residential development is due from An Bord Pleanála by July 4.

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